Re-connecting with one another in public is made possible by the existence of public places that encourage connection. Paris understands this better than anywhere else.

Paris is a shining example of a city that encourages affection. Known as "The City of Love," many equate Paris with romance. But Paris doesn't stop there — in addition to romance, it's also a city full of public spaces that encourage connection in a broader sense, including between friends and family. This collection of photos shows the ways in which Paris invites us to be near to our loved ones, expressing ourselves openly and honestly in public spaces.

Luxembourg Gardens - The Center of Social Life in a Great Park

Public Displays of Affection. From simple eye contact to a kiss — human contact imbues a place with life. The natural expression of reaching out to connect with or touch one another is a basic way of communicating, and is almost as important as breathing.

The Magic of Luxembourg Gardens
The magical appeal of Luxembourg Gardens is simply that people feel welcome to eat, relax or stroll. But it’s under-pining is that, it’s all about just a nice place to sit
Social Life ProjectKathy Madden

A place to sit is fundamental to our ability to connect with others.

Places where everyone enjoys hanging out

Taking photos of our loved ones (or of ourselves) is evidence that we find a place to be special and worth remembering.

The Selfie

Friends expressing comfort and joy.

Community. Closeness and connection reassures us that we are important and loved. That we care and are cared for. That we are a part of a family, a group, a community.

Shoes off

People taking pictures of friends and family

Taking photos of our loved ones (or of ourselves) is evidence that we find a place to be special and worth remembering.

Expressions of Joy. A safe, comfortable space invites us to connect and be close to one another. And witnessing public displays of affection reassures us that it’s OK to relax and be ourselves in a given place.

Contact. Chance encounters are one of the most valuable things that our public realm offers to us. Think of how many times you've run into a friend — or made a new one — with the help of a public space!

Couples and Friends Hanging Out - Public Spaces Where Affection Thrives
When trying to identify the great places around us, a good approach is to look for where the couples are.
Social Life ProjectFred Kent
Creating Social Life for All - Places Where People Thrive
Great public spaces combat the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness by offering a welcoming place for people of all ages, races, abilities, and backgrounds.
Social Life ProjectFred Kent
Social Life - How it Helps Shape the Future of Our Communities
Social life describes an entire ecosystem of human interaction that gives us meaning — and makes the very existence of our economy, community, educational system, arts and culture, science, and innovation possible. Reflections of Jay Walljasper.
Social Life ProjectJay Walljasper

The Place Man: Watch the New Documentary on the Placemaking Movement
We have recently created a documentary, The Place Man, about our work in placemaking over the last 50 years, made by the wonderful Guillermo Bernal. It got us thinking about the state of the placemaking movement and what’s next.
Social Life ProjectFred Kent

Kathy and Fred, Flaneurs of Public Life.

The mission of the Social Life Project is to incite a renaissance of community connection in public spaces around the globe. Through our online publication, presentations, campaigns, and catalytic projects, we can create transformative impact on communities everywhere. Our work grows out of more than 50 years devoted to building the global placemaking movement. It is an initiative of the Placemaking Fund, along with PlacemakingX — a global network of leaders who together accelerate placemaking as a way to create healthy, inclusive, and beloved communities. We gladly accept donations to advance our work.
Share this post